Career Tips for a Great 2013

Earn That Promotion

30 tips to help you move ahead in the workplace

December 15, 2011

Day 1

The Challenge: Ask for an Office

Having your own space isn’t just a reward—it also lowers your stress and boosts your creativity.

Why It’ll Work: If the confines of your cube are driving you nuts, here’s why: A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who work in cubicles have higher levels of stress hormones than those who work in offices with doors. True, a door between you and the rest of the world means fewer headaches. But more important to your bottom-line boss, open offices increase morale and efficiency.

While You’re At It: Network at work. Meet-and-greets don’t just help when you’re trying to land a new job. “It’s a great way to gather information about what’s going on around your company and build your reputation as someone who works well with others,” says Katy Tynan, author of Survive Your Promotion. Make an effort to befriend 10 people outside your department who share common interests, whether they’re rugby or skiing, but don’t fake interests or you’ll look like a suck-up.

Day 2

The Challenge: Add to Your Mental Rolodex

Meeting new people? Don’t just memorize names—focus on facial features, too. It may feel superficial, but it's a great memory device.

Why It’ll Work: In a study in the American Journal of Psychology, People were able to remember about 25 percent more names when they listed as many of the people's facial characteristics as they could. Thinking about individual facial features—even if they’re not as striking as “jughandle ears” or “creeping unibrow”—helped recall, as well as matching names to faces. Build a backup plan and find something in common with every new coworker you meet. If you blank later on, it's better to call a guy "that Lakers fan" than "the dude with the big ears."

While You’re At It: Be Early. Show up to meetings 5 to 10 minutes before they start. A lot happens in those casual conversations. “Plus it will give you a chance to be settled, look prepared, and get to know the players on a casual basis,” says Katy Tynan, author of Survive Your Promotion.

Day 3

The Challenge: Time Your Tunes

Cranking music at work can reduce stress and make you feel more comfortable, but if you need to concentrate, timing is everything.

Why It’ll Work: In a 2009 study by researchers in Taiwan, people that listened to music before taking an attention test scored higher than those who listened to music during the test, as well as those who took it in silence. So groove to your tracks through mindless work, but shut them off when it’s crunch time. And when you’re ready to be social, open up Spotify: sharing music helps employees bond, says a study by researchers in New Zealand.

While You’re At It: Know how to use an iPad. “See all those execs tapping away? If you want to be part of that club, you need to be comfortable with the latest mobile devices,” says Katy Tynan, author of Survive Your Promotion. The higher you climb, the more tech will be integrated into your daily life, she says.

Day 4

The Challenge: Turn on the Charm

Learn why warming up to your coworkers has its perks.

Why It’ll Work: The personality traits employers most want to see are extroversion or conscientiousness, according to a 2009 study in Personnel Psychology. Being warm and friendly instead of cold and competitive yields noticeable benefits. It makes sense, too: You might respect the coldly efficient worker next to you, but you don’t want to spend happy hour with him. Be the person everyone wants around, and not just for your skills and professionalism.

While You’re At It: Increase productivity with apps. Whether they’re for your tablet or smartphone, apps will help you be responsive and tackle your workload. “The early bird gets the worm and the early responder gets the credit, so don’t let emails linger in your inbox. Getting tech savvy will help you jump on the right things right away,” says Katy Tynan, author of Survive Your Promotion.

Day 5

The Challenge: Spread Your Own Hype

Your resume might be impressive, but bosses want to know else what you’ve got in store. Focus on the future.

Why It’ll Work: A 2011 Stanford study shows that we’re more excited about people’s potential than their achievements. So if you’re applying for a new job, don’t talk about what you did at your last job. Frame your value in terms of what you’ll do there, in the future. And when you’re angling for a promotion, think about how you’d help the company if you got it.

While You’re At It: Cut down on the cologne. Dress for the job you want, but don’t go overboard on the Axe. “Look the part, don’t smell the part,” says Stephen Viscusi, CEO and headhunter for Viscusi Group and host of A&E’s The Job Whisperer. “You may be wearing the cologne of your boss’s ex-husband or ex-boyfriend and that will remind her of that person she can’t stand.”

Day 6

The Challenge: Be Your Boss

Mirroring the big guy’s body language can have major benefits. But taking it too far can backfire.

Why It’ll Work: You’ve probably heard tips like, “Create a connection by sitting the way he’s sitting.” These nonverbal cues can say a lot, but not just to the person you’re mimicking. Mirror wisely: A 2011 study in Psychological Science showed that others pick up on body language between two people and judge accordingly. Do you really want to be known as Mini-Me around the office? Remember that while you’re watching the boss, your co-workers are watching you.

While You’re At It: Emphasize the team. Let your boss know you want a promotion but replace “me” with “we.” “Don’t assume he knows you’ve been busting your backside to perform. He’s likely too busy trying to please his boss,” says Susan Whitcomb, author of 30-Day Job Promotion. Have a conversation about your promotion, but talk about how it will help the company’s goals, not yours, she says.